Method for displaying graphical data

ABSTRACT

A method for displaying graphical data includes displaying a first graph of a first data set, receiving a first open drag command indicative of a first handle position on the first graph, positioning a first handle on the first graph based on a first close drag command and receiving a first positioning location. The method further includes receiving a second open drag command indicative of a second handle position on the first graph, positioning a second handle on the first graph based on a second close drag command, receiving a second positioning location signal based on the positioning of the second handle, determining a second data set based on the first positioning location signal and second positioning location signal, and displaying a second graph of the second data set, wherein the first graph and second graph are concurrently displayed in a graph window.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to displaying data. Morespecifically, the invention relates to displaying graphical data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Data collection systems can collect a large volume of data. Depending onthe data source and sampling, the volume of data can overwhelm theability to analyze the data. Charts and graphs can be limited by thesize and resolution of the user interface and system display. Real timedata accumulation exacerbates these difficulties, leading to a denselypacked chart.

Persons reviewing the data set may desire a high level view of the dataor a subset of the data, or alternately a detailed perspective of a datasubset. Rendering engines can help but can have difficulty identifyingindividual data points on a chart.

It is therefore a challenge to develop a method to display graphicaldata to overcome these, and other, disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for displaying graphical data includes displaying a first graphof a first data set, receiving a first open drag command indicative of afirst handle position on the first graph, positioning a first handle onthe first graph based on a first close drag command and receiving afirst positioning location. The method further includes receiving asecond open drag command indicative of a second handle position on thefirst graph, positioning a second handle on the first graph based on asecond close drag command, receiving a second positioning locationsignal based on the positioning of the second handle, determining asecond data set based on the first positioning location signal andsecond positioning location signal, and displaying a second graph of thesecond data set, wherein the first graph and second graph areconcurrently displayed in a graph window.

The foregoing embodiment and other embodiments, objects, and aspects aswell as features and advantages of the present invention will becomefurther apparent from the following detailed description of variousembodiments of the present invention. The detailed description anddrawings are merely illustrative of the present invention, rather thanlimiting the scope of the present invention being defined by theappended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a computer client, in accordancewith one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a computer with display for use inaccordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a display of graphical data, in accordance with oneaspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a display of graphical data, in accordance with oneaspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a display of graphical data, in accordance with oneaspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a display of graphical data, in accordance with oneaspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a display of graphical data, in accordance with oneaspect of the invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying graphicaldata in accordance with another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying graphicaldata in accordance with another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying graphicaldata in accordance with another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a method for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a computer client 150 for use inaccordance with one aspect of the invention. Computer system 150 is anexample of a client computer, such as clients 208, 210, and 212 (FIG.2). Computer system 150 employs a peripheral component interconnect(PCI) local bus architecture. Although the depicted example employs aPCI bus, other bus architectures such as Micro Channel and ISA may beused. PCI bridge 158 connects processor 152 and main memory 154 to PCIlocal bus 156. PCI bridge 158 also may include an integrated memorycontroller and cache memory for processor 152. Additional connections toPCI local bus 156 may be made through direct component interconnectionor through add-in boards. In the depicted example, local area network(LAN) adapter 160, SCSI host bus adapter 162, and expansion businterface 164 are connected to PCI local bus 156 by direct componentconnection. In contrast, audio adapter 166, graphics adapter 168, andaudio/video adapter (A/V) 169 are connected to PCI local bus 156 byadd-in boards inserted into expansion slots. Expansion bus interface 164connects a keyboard and mouse adapter 170, modem 172, and additionalmemory 174 to bus 156. SCSI host bus adapter 162 provides a connectionfor hard disk drive 176, tape drive 178, and CD-ROM 180 in the depictedexample. In one embodiment, the PCI local bus implementation supportthree or four PCI expansion slots or add-in connectors, although anynumber of PCI expansion slots or add-in connectors can be used topractice the invention.

An operating system runs on processor 152 to coordinate and providecontrol of various components within computer system 150. The operatingsystem may be any appropriate available operating system such asWindows, Macintosh, UNIX, LINUX, or OS/2, which is available fromInternational Business Machines Corporation. “OS/2” is a trademark ofInternational Business Machines Corporation. Instructions for theoperating system, an object-oriented operating system, and applicationsor programs are located on storage devices, such as hard disk drive 176and may be loaded into main memory 154 for execution by processor 152.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware inFIG. 1 may vary depending on the implementation. For example, otherperipheral devices, such as optical disk drives and the like may be usedin addition to or in place of the hardware depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1does not illustrate any architectural limitations with respect to thepresent invention, and rather merely discloses an exemplary system thatcould be used to practice the invention. For example, the processes ofthe present invention may be applied to multiprocessor data processingsystem.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary computer with display 200 for use withthe instant invention. The exemplary computer includes computer 150, asdiscussed with reference to FIG. 1, and display 210. The computer can beimplemented as a desktop or laptop device, as well as any mobilecomputing device, such as a cell phone, music player, PDA, game device,email appliance, or the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a graphical display of data 300, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display 300 includesfirst graph 310 and second graph 320. First graph 310 graphicallydisplays data from a first data set. First graph 310 is illustrated withtwo axes, although any number of axes can be utilized in accordance withthe invention. First handle 330 bisects a first axis of first graph 310at a first handle position and second handle 340 bisects a first axis offirst graph 310 at a second handle position that differs from firsthandle position. First data set includes data relating to anyappropriate source, such as stock prices, network utilization,temperature, humidity, inventory, accounts payable, biometric data, orthe like.

A second data set is determined based on receiving a first positioninglocation signal based on the first handle position 330 and receiving asecond positioning location signal based on second handle position 340on first graph 310. In one embodiment, the second data set is defined bythe data represented within the graphical space between the first handleposition 330 and the second handle position 340. The second data set isa subset of the first data set. The positioning location signal isgenerated based on the position of the first and second handles 330,340. In one embodiment, second data set receives data points in realtime with data points that accumulate within first data set.

Second graph 320 displays the second data set. In one embodiment, thefirst graph and second graph are displayed substantially simultaneously.In one embodiment, first graph and second graph occupy separate displayareas on the same display window. In one embodiment, second graph 320 isa fish eye view of the second data set. In another embodiment, thesecond graph 320 is a zoom view of the first data set. Second graph 320is illustrated with two axes, although any number of axes can beutilized in accordance with the invention.

In another embodiment, at least one operation is performed on thedetermined data prior to display. For example, in one embodiment, thesecond data set is displayed as a logarithmic graph in the second graph.In another embodiment, a color is assigned to represent changes in data,and the second graph comprises the color associated with the data. Thecolor can be an absolute color, such as a PAI/GATF color standard, aPan-Tone® color standard or other similar standard. In anotherembodiment, the brightness of the display color is modified based ondata changes. In another embodiment, the contrast of the display coloris modified based on data changes. In yet another embodiment, agraphical pattern is modified based on data changes. A graphical patternis any image indicative of a change, for example, slanted lines, dots orthe like.

In one embodiment, first data set is a fixed data set that does notreceive new data elements. In another embodiment, first data setreceives new data elements and is an expanding data set.

In one embodiment, graphical display 300 includes a stop indicator 350.Stop indicator 350 restricts new data elements that are added to thefirst data set from display. Based on a control signal responsive toactuation of the stop indicator 350, the graphical display of first dataset is paused even as first data set receives new data. In anotherembodiment, graphical display 300 includes at least a first directionalindicator 370 for scrolling the display in a first direction based onreceiving a control signal based on actuation of the first directionalindicator. In FIG. 3, first directional indicator is a right directionalindicator to scroll second graph 320 to display data to the right of thecurrent view. For example, receipt of a control signal indicative ofdirectional indicator actuation results in panning the view of thesecond data set.

In another embodiment, graphical display 300 includes a lock indicator360. Lock indicator 360 prevents addition of new data to first data setbased on receipt of a control signal indicative of actuation of the lockindicator 360. Lock indicator 360, for example, can display an open orclosed padlock image to indicate that the display is unlocked or locked,respectively.

In one embodiment, first handle and second handle are configured toprevent first handle from moving over second handle, and second handlefrom moving over the first handle. In another embodiment, first andsecond handle are configured to cross.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a detailed view of a graphicaldisplay of first data set at 400. First handle 430 and second handle 440are illustrated framing a subset of first data set. First handle 430includes a snapshot control 450. In response to actuation of snapshotcontrol 450, a snapshot of the data between first handle 430 and secondhandle 440 is taken.

In one embodiment, a data bookmark is determined in response toactuation of the snapshot control, while in other embodiment, a bookmarkcontrol feature is displayed.

In another embodiment, the snapshot control results in activation of atrigger event. A trigger event is defined as a particular data patterndetermined in response to actuation of a trigger control. In oneembodiment, the first data set is iteratively compared to the determinedtrigger event, such that a notification message is sent based on a datapattern recurring at a time in the future. The data pattern recurrenceis determined either on a strict basis requiring exact recurrence, or onan equivalence basis requiring a predetermined percentage recurrence.Based on an occurrence of the defined trigger event, a further action isimplemented. For example, the further action is automating a change inan IT environment. In other example, the further action is execution ofa report. In another example, the further action results in amodification of the range values.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary display of a snapshot at 500. A firstsnapshot is illustrated at 540. In addition to the first snapshot 540,two other snapshots are illustrated, although any appropriate number ofsnapshots can be displayed. Snapshot indicator 510 is displayed.Additionally, a selection option 520 is displayed. Metadata 530 displaysmetadata associated with the snapshot data. Metadata can be, forexample, data source, time range, snapshot time, user annotations, anduser notes. Metadata is data about the data within the data set. In oneembodiment, a selection option comprises a check box indicative of aview selection. In another embodiment, the selection option comprises atoggle button. In yet another embodiment, the displayed data isconfigured to operate as a selection option, such that selection of thedisplay results in receiving a selection option.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a graphical display of data at600. Display 600 includes first, second, and third data sets 610, 615,620 displayed with corresponding metadata, snapshot controls andselection options. The selection option associated with first data set610 and second data set 615 are selected, while the selection optionassociated with third data set 620 is not selected. In response to theseselection options, display 600 displays overlay graph 630. Overlay graph630 displays data associated with first data set 610 overlaid withsecond data set 615. FIG. 7 illustrates at 700 the display 600 separatedinto constituent parts 750, 760.

FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment of a method 800 for displayinggraphical data. Method 800 begins at 810.

A first graph of a first data set is displayed at step 812. The firstdata set is implemented as discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. Afirst positioning location signal based on a first handle position isreceived with a second positioning location signal based on a secondhandle position on the first graph at 814. A second data set isdetermined based on the first and second positioning signals, at step816, and a second graph of the second data set is displayed at step 818.

FIG. 8B illustrates one embodiment of a method 820 of receiving a firstpositioning location signal, in accordance with step 814, in accordancewith one aspect of the invention. Method 820 begins at step 822.

A first open drag command indicative of a first handle position on firstgraph is received at step 824. The first open drag command is a commandindicative of a user initiating a ‘drag and drop’ action, such as with adepressed mouse click. The receipt of the first open drag commandindicates a first handle position on the first graph.

The first handle is positioned on the first graph based on a first closedrag command, at step 826. In one embodiment, the first handle isvisibly moved with the drag command. A close drag command is a commandindicative of a user completing a drag and drop action, such as withan‘un-click’.

A first positioning location signal is received based on the first closedrag command at step 828.

FIG. 8C illustrates one embodiment of a method 830 of receiving a secondpositioning location signal, in accordance with step 814, in accordancewith one aspect of the invention. Method 830 begins at step 832.

A second open drag command indicative of a second handle position onfirst graph is received at step 834. The second open drag command is acommand indicative of a user initiating a ‘drag and drop’ action, suchas with a depressed mouse click. The receipt of the first open dragcommand indicates a first handle position on the first graph.

The second handle is positioned on the first graph based on a secondclose drag command, at step 836. In one embodiment, the second handle isvisibly moved with the drag command.

A second positioning location signal is received based on the secondclose drag command at step 838.

In one embodiment, first and second handle positions are jointlymaneuverable responsive to commands received at a location between thefirst and second handle position. For example, a user can move the firstand second handle while maintaining the distance between the first andsecond handle by clicking and dragging a point on the display betweenthe first and second handles. In another embodiment, at least one of thefirst and second graphs changes focus and/or display magnification basedon the size of the first or second data set.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a method 900 for displayinggraphical data, in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method900 begins at 910. At step 920, method 900 executes method 800.

A data manipulation command is received based on the displayed secondgraph at step 930. A data manipulation command is any command configuredto take a predetermined action based on one of the second data set andsecond graph. Exemplary data manipulation commands are described inFIGS. 10-18, but methods 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700,and 1800 should be considered exemplary and not exhaustive examples ofdata manipulation commands. The data manipulation command can bereceived responsive to any command device, such as a mouse, keyboard,voice recognition, or similar devices.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1000 for displayinggraphical data. Method 1000 begins at 1010. Method 800 is executed atstep 1020.

A snapshot signal associated with the second data set is received atstep 1030. In one embodiment, the received snapshot signal is responsiveto actuation of a snapshot indicator. In one embodiment, a snapshotgraph with a selection option is displayed based on the receivedsnapshot signal, such as in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1100 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1100 begins at 1110. Method 800 is executed at step 1120. A thirdpositioning location signal is received based on a changed position ofat least one of the first handle and second handle at step 1130. A thirddata set is determined based on the third positioning signal at step1140, and a third graph of the third data set is displayed at step 1150.The third positioning signal is received in similar fashion as firstpositioning signal (FIG. 8B) and/or second positioning signal (FIG. 8C).

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1200 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1200 begins at step 1210, and continues at step 1220 by executing method1100. At step 1230 a snapshot signal associated with the third data setis received. In one embodiment, step 1230 is implemented in similarfashion as step 1030.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1300 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1300 begins at step 1310, and continues at step 1320 by executing method900.

A bookmark signal is received as the data manipulation command, and instep 1330, at least one data set associated with the bookmark signal isstored in a database. In one embodiment, the database includes aplurality of data sets. The database can be implemented as a relationaldatabase, normalized database, denormalized database, or any otherappropriate storage mechanism that allows for storage and comparisonsbetween records stored in the database and other data sets. The databasecan be maintained on a user computer, or any computing device connectedto a user computer via a WAN, LAN, or other such network, including theInternet. In one embodiment, the bookmark is stored as a link associatedwith a particular data set. In another embodiment, the bookmark isstored as the data set including each datum within the bookmarked dataset.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1400 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1400 begins at step 1410, and continues at step 1420 by executing method1300.

At least one of the first graph and second graph is compared to at leastone stored data set at step 1430. The comparison can include a directcomparison, or a percentage comparison or a comparison based on a ratioof at least one data element to at least one other data element.

Based on the comparison, method 1400 determines whether there is a matchbetween the first or second graph and at least one data set at step1440. If a match is found, a notification is sent based on the match atstep 1450. In one embodiment, a match is only determined based on anexact similarity between the first or second graph and the stored dataset. In other embodiments, exact similarity is not required, and thedegree of similarity can be a predetermined degree and established byeither a user or other interested party. In another embodiment, thedetermination is based on an average similarity. The notification can besent to a user either at the computer executing the comparison, or toother users local or distant and potentially over a network, such as aWAN, LAN, or the Internet. Additionally, the user of the system need notreceive the notification, and the notification can be hidden from a userand sent directly to an administrator or other similar destination.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1500 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1500 begins at step 1510, and continues at step 1520 by executing method900.

In method 1500, the data manipulation command includes a environmentchange control signal. An environment change control signal is anysignal indicative of an automated modification to a computingenvironment. Based on receipt of the environment change control signal,method 1500 issues an environment change command configured toreallocate at least one computer resource based on the second data set.For example, an environment command changes network utilizationparameters. In another example, the environment command affects memoryand/or storage device utilization. Other resources can also be affectedin response to an environment change command.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1600 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1600 begins at step 1610, and continues at step 1620 by executing method900.

Based on receiving a format control signal, method 1600 displays thesecond data set in a table format at step 1630. A table formatrepresents the second data set numerically rather than graphically. Inanother embodiment, the first data set is maintained in a first formatand the second data set is saved in a second format and the first formatand second format are not the same. Formats include any appropriate filetype, such as HTML, XML, CSV, DOC, XLS, or the like.

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1700 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1700 begins at step 1710, and continues at step 1720 by executing method900.

At least one report is generated in response to a report control signalat step 1730. The report can be based on at least one of the first dataset, second data set, first graph, or second graph, depending onimplementation as well as the nature of the received report controlsignal.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1800 for displayinggraphical data in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method1800 begins at step 1810, and continues at step 1820 by executing method900.

Based on receiving a detach control signal, method 1800 saves the seconddata set to a log at step 1830. Saving the data set to a log isimplemented in similar fashion as in step 1360 of method 1300 in oneembodiment. Based on the saved log file, method 1800 displays the seconddata set as a miniature graph including at least one scaled version ofthe second data set. A miniature graph is a graph that includes physicaldimensions smaller than the dimensions of the first graph. Scaling datasets includes any technique that converts each datum within a data setby a set factor, and can scale the data set up (i.e. using a factorgreater than 1) or scale the data set down (i.e. using a factor betweengreater than 0 and less than 1).

In another example, the log is compared to at least one predeterminedpattern. Based on the comparison, the system takes at least one action,such as an automated systems management action to allocate resources orprovide a self-healing algorithm. Other such actions can includecorrective actions or notifications responsive to the comparison. Thecomparison can be a direct comparison, scaled comparison, or based on aratio in certain embodiments.

Based on displaying the miniature graph, method 1800 displays themetadata associated with the scaled data set at step 1850. The displayedmetadata includes at least one of a timestamp associated with the seconddata set and a data set ranges associated with the second data set.Other exemplary metadata can also be displayed, such as averagesassociated with the second data set and other related factors.

The term “graph” as used herein refers to any appropriate technique forthe visual illustration of data. The term graph includes line graphs,bar graphs, charts, and any other technique for converting data into avisible series of data points.

It should be noted that both the server and devices can reside behind afirewall, or on a protected node of a private network or LAN connectedto a public network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the server anddevices can be on opposite sides of a firewall, or connected with apublic network such as the Internet. The invention can take the form ofan entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or anembodiment containing both hardware and software elements. In apreferred embodiment, the invention is implemented in software, whichincludes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode,etc. Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer programproduct accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable mediumproviding program code for use by or in connection with a computer orany instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description,a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus thatcan contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program foruse by or in connection with the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (orapparatus or device), or a propagation medium such as a carrier wave.Examples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor orsolid-state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magneticdisk and an optical disk.

While the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein arepresently considered to be preferred embodiments, various changes andmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in theappended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and rangeof equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.

1. A method for displaying graphical data, the method comprising:displaying a first graph of a first data set in a display device;receiving a first open drag command indicative of a first handleposition on the first graph; positioning a first handle on the firstgraph based on a first close drag command based on the first open dragcommand; receiving a first positioning location signal based on thefirst close drag command; receiving a second open drag commandindicative of a second handle position on the first graph; positioning asecond handle on the first graph based on a second close drag commandbased on the second open drag command, wherein the first handle isconfigured to prevent the first handle from moving over the secondhandle, and the second handle is configured to prevent the second handlefrom moving over the first handle; receiving a second positioninglocation signal based on the positioning of the second handle;determining a second data set based on the first positioning locationsignal and second positioning location signal; displaying a second graphof the second data set, wherein the first graph and second graph areconcurrently displayed in a graph window, and wherein displaying—thesecond graph comprises displaying a snapshot of the second data set witha selection option, and wherein the second graph is a miniature graph,wherein the miniature graph is a scaled version of the first graph, andwherein displaying—the second graph includes displaying metadataassociated with the second data set wherein the metadata includes datasource information, time rang—e information, snapshot time information,and notes information; receiving a data manipulation command based onthe displayed second graph, wherein the data manipulation commandincludes a bookmark signal associated with the second data set, andwherein the data manipulation command includes a snapshot signalassociated with the second data set, and wherein the data manipulationcommand includes a environment control signal, and wherein the datamanipulation command includes a format control signal and whereindisplaying the second data set comprises displaying the second data setin table format based on the format control signal, and wherein the datamanipulation command includes a detach control signal, and wherein thedata manipulation command includes a control signal indicative ofactuation of a stop indicator; storing a data set associated with thebookmark signal in a database; saving the second data set to a log;displaying the second data set as the miniature graph including thescaled version of the second data set; and displaying metadataassociated with the display of the second data set, the metadataincluding at least one of a timestamp and data set range comparing atleast one of the first graph and second graph to each stored data set;and determining a match based on the comparison; and sending anotification based on the determination; receiving at least a thirdpositioning location signal based on a changed position of one of thefirst or second handle positions; determining a third data set based onthe third position location signal; displaying a third graph of thethird data set subsequent to the display of the second graph; receivinga snapshot signal associated with the third data set; wherein displayingthe third graph comprises displaying a snapshot of the third graph witha second selection option; receiving a selection option associated withat least one of the first selection option and second selection option;and displaying the second graph and third graph superimposed on a singlegraph based on receiving a selection responsive to at least one of thefirst selection option and second selection option; stopping the displayof the second data set based on the received control signal; issuing aenvironment change command responsive to the environment control signal,the environment change command configured to reallocate computerresources responsive to the second data set; generating at least onereport based on at least one of the first data set, second data set,first graph, and second graph; receiving at least a third positioninglocation signal based on a changed position of one of the first orsecond handle positions; determining at least a third data set based onthe third position location signal; and displaying at least a thirdgraph of the third data set subsequent to the display of the secondgraph, and wherein displaying the third graph includes displayingmetadata associated with the snapshot of the second data set.